Choral Concert, Thursday 21 March - Rutter, Bach and Poulenc

Rutter Requiem, Poulenc Organ Concerto, Bach Double Violin Concerto

Directed by Quentin Thomas
Soloists: Benedict Wilson (organ), Maxim
Souter & Leah Rosendahl (violins)

Rutter’s 40 minute Requiem, completed in 1985 utilises choir and orchestral accompaniment. Featuring The Lord is my Shepherd (originally written in 1976 as a separate anthem), reflective movements with soprano and cello solos, lively moments brightly orchestrated with bells, flute and oboe and occasional timpani, this work offers a perfect moment of reflection before Easter week.

The Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings and Continuo in D Minor, also known as the "Bach Double", is perhaps one of the most famous works by J.S.Bach and considered among the best examples of the work of the late Baroque period. Bach wrote it between 1730 and 1731 when he was the cantor at Thomasschule, in Leipzig, Germany.

As Poulenc wrote in a letter to Françaix, "The concerto…is not the amusing Poulenc of the Concerto for two pianos, but more like a Poulenc en route for the cloister." Poulenc rediscovered his faith for this work, studied the Baroque masters of organ writing before letting rip with this 20 minute, continuous movement masterpiece. With schizophrenic twists and turns in style, tone and texture, this has to be one of the most thrilling organ concertos ever written.

All welcome. Tickets are free; this is a ticket-only event, please contact the Box Office, 01992 706355